Major crimes in New Orleans down 6 percent in 2nd quarter, NOPD says

Major crimes in New Orleans were down about 6 percent in the second quarter of 2012 compared to the same time last year, but the percentage of murders was up by double digits compared to 2011, according to data the New Orleans Police Department released Friday. The statistics show a 25 percent decline in burglaries, an 8 percent decrease in armed robbery, a dip of 15 percent in rapes and a drop of 10 percent in auto thefts for April, May and June.

Michael DeMocker / The Times-PicayuneRonal Serpas takes the oath of office from New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu in May 2010,

During the same period, thefts increased by 3 percent, assaults rose nearly 4 percent, simple robbery was up by about 5 percent and murder, the most pressing issue among many New Orleanians, saw a jump of nearly 21 percent with 52 murders compared to 43 at this time last year.

Those eight categories of crimes are reported to the FBI by law enforcement agencies across the country. The bureau uses them to compile the annual Uniform Crime Reports, which track national and regional crime trends.

Police Superintendent Ronal Serpas pointed out that while murder was up in the second quarter compared to 2011, the year-to-date figure was actually down by 8 percent. However, figures provided by the department show that overall crime between January and June 2012 rose by about 1 percent compared to the first six months last year.

"Double-digit drops in the percentages of rapes, burglaries and auto thefts are encouraging, and prove that ... our officers are focused, working hard and making a difference in our neighborhoods," Serpas said in a prepared statement. "We continue to move in the right direction, and I remain confident that the dip in overall crime will extend through the end of the year."

Serpas also said he hopes murders can continue their overall downward trajectory. "I believe with the community's help, we can and will curb this most heinous crime," he said.

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Danny Monteverde can be reached at dmonteverde@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3482.